COMMUNION REFLECTION FOR ST. BRIGID’S DAY

From the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin.

Legend holds that Brigid made her first cross from rushes she picked from the floor as she visited a pagan chieftain who was dying.  While sitting by his bed she began to weave the rushes into the shape of a cross and tell the stories of her Christian faith.  The cross became a symbol of peace and protection, protection of animals and protection from fire and disease, and a blessing for home and hearth. Crosses were exchanged too in times of clan feuds as a sign of reconciliation.  From that time Irish people have never ceased to weave these crosses.  These rushes represent our hopes, our dreams, our gifts, and our efforts in working towards a more caring society.

She gathered the dreams to weave something new.  She gathers our rushes of sorrow and gladness, of happiness and pain, tears and laughter, kindness and caring, of voluntary groups and organizations, of families, relations and friends, of schools and hospitals, of work and sport and recreation, and all the little words and deeds offered in hope, in faith, and in love.  She weaved them all with loving hands into a new form, a richer and more beautiful creation.  God too weaves patiently and persistently with the rushes of our lives. He invites us to keep offering him the shreds of our suffering and the stuff of our dreams and to take our place beside him to weave the shape of new creation.

February 1st is the Feast Day of Saint Brigid of Kildare, Ireland.  (452 – 525)  We celebrate this special day within our Sunday Mass liturgies this year.   The prayers, scriptures, and hymns will be those of the Feast rather than the 4th Sunday in Ordinary Time.

Special Reading for this Feast Day:

First Reading: Sirach 2:7-11
A reading from the book of Sirach.
You who fear the Lord, wait for his mercy; turn not away lest you fall.
You who fear the Lord, trust in him, and your reward will not be lost.
You who fear the Lord, hope for good things, for lasting joy and mercy.
You who fear the Lord, love him and your hearts will be enlightened.
Study the generations long past and understand: has anyone hoped in the Lord and been disappointed?
Has anyone persevered in his commandments and been forsaken? Has anyone called upon him and been rebuffed?
Compassionate and merciful is the Lord: he forgives sins, he saves in time of trouble and he is a protector to all who seek him in truth.

Second Reading: Ephesians 3:14-19
A reading from the Epistle of Paul to the Ephesians.
Brothers and sisters:
I kneel before the Father, from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named, that he may grant you in accord with the riches of his glory to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inner self, and that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the holy ones what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, so that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.
The word of the Lord.

GOSPEL : Matthew 22:34-40
+ A reading from the Gospel according to Matthew.
When the Pharisees heard that Jesus had silenced the Sadducees, they gathered together, and one of them, a scholar of the law, tested him by asking,
“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?”
He said to him,
“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the greatest and the first commandment.
The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
The whole Law and the Prophets depend on these two commandments.”
+ The Gospel of the Lord.

Since we are still at the beginning of the season of Ordinary Time, it’s important to understand this transition from the Old Testament prophets, of which John was the last, to the New Testament preaching of our Lord.

As Jesus begins His preaching, His words are challenging but also very hopeful.  By saying that “the kingdom of heaven is at hand,” Jesus stirs interest and holy curiosity among His first listeners.  His call to repentance was softened by His new proclamation about the Kingdom.

Oftentimes, when we see someone living in serious sin, we want to judge and condemn.  But usually what they need the most is hope— hope that there is something much greater that comes from repentance, the HOPE of the Kingdom of God.  True fulfillment is only found in the Gospel, the message of Truth that Jesus shared during His three years of public ministry.

How do you try to satiate this desire in the fulfillment of life?

Do you allow the evil one to trick you into thinking that fleshly desires, pride or wealth are the answer?

Readings:  Third Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

God calls each of us but does not force us into service.

We must…

– Ask God to speak to us

– Remember to listen

– Tell him that we desire to do his will

 God desires one thing: a humble heart willing to serve.

The Father has made us temples of his Holy Spirit and vessels to carry his message forward.

Just as Jesus invited Andrew to come and stay with him,  he also beckons us to an intimate friendship with him.

As Andrew evangelized his brother Peter after his experience with Jesus, we too should bring Jesus to our families, friends, and neighbors by our own example.

Readings: Second Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

Amen, Amen, I say to you. What You Did Not Do For One of These Least Ones, You Did Not Do For Me.

The Lord rules the earth yet  He comes to us through the least among us. He shows us that His kingdom is a reality; not just an idea.

We are offered entrance to the realm through our care of those in need: the hungry, the sick, the naked, the impoverished, the imprisoned, and the unborn.

Such care and outreach are work toward the gift of paradise. Is your focus aligned with the Lord’s?

Can you recognize His brothers among you?

Readings:  The Solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe | USCCB

I wonder what that third servant in the Gospel was doing all that time after he buried the talent he was given. Probably nothing. What strikes me is that the word for money in this reading is “talent,” which in our language is an ability or skill. Maybe this parable can remind us to use our abilities and not let them go to waste. A person might be strong and fast, but if she exercises and practices, she could be a great athlete. The same with spiritual gifts. Just having one doesn’t make you a saint. So how do you know what gifts you have?

First, ask God in your prayers to show you what gifts you have been given. Read the scriptures, especially the Acts of the Apostles or the Letters of Paul (e.g., 1 Corinthians 12:1–11). Listen humbly to friends or loved ones who can tell you what strengths they see in you.

Second, look for ways to use your gifts. Check the parish bulletin or website or your diocesan newspaper for activities and organizations that you could take part in. Hospitals, schools, shelters, and nursing homes frequently offer opportunities for volunteers. Or you may see a need for some service that you can get started in the parish or community.

Just remember that you are called to service by your baptism and confirmation. Don’t bury that calling by procrastinating or being afraid to try. Remember the “useless servant” with the one talent who was fearful and lazy (Matthew 25:25–26). At least he can remind us to use it or lose it.

Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111923.cfm

Procrastination can be bad in all parts of our lives.

Paying attention to everything except God can be particularly dangerous.

Every day is a chance to start anew and to prepare for our encounter with God.

He has invited us to the feast but we need to respond to Him.

Do you have a pen and paper, or can you just talk to Him?

Readings:  https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/111223.cfm

Jesus gives a lesson in humility in this week’s Gospel.

At the heart of Jesus’ criticism of the scribes and Pharisees was their tendency to exalt themselves in the eyes of others.

Many would do things in public to get recognition, but Jesus said instead to be humble servants.

The greatest among them would be those who serve the rest.

That was the example Jesus himself left for us, so we as his followers must also become humble servants.

Humility begins by seeing yourself in the light of truth.

How does God see you?

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/110523.cfm

What the first reading calls aliens are immigrants or newcomers.  They lived among the Hebrews, but were not Jews themselves.  The Lord reminds the people that they were once aliens themselves.

They should not make the same mistake the Egyptians did when they mistreated the Israelites.  God uses the same logic in commanding them to take care of widows and orphans.  Treat them like family, or else your own wives and children will be in the same situation.

The reason for such compassion should be deeper than just fear of punishment.  Jesus said, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).  He called this the second commandment.  The first is to love God wholly and completely, heart, mind, and soul. If the second commandment is the Golden Rule, the first might be called the Diamond Rule.  If you think about it, in order to keep the first commandment, you have to be keeping the second as well.

Jesus said that whatever you do for the poor, the homeless, the sick, or prisoners, you do for him (Matthew 25:31–46). We can’t really say we love God if we don’t love the people God created.

So that gives us two reasons to love our neighbor.  First, because God lives in other people, so loving God means loving God wherever God is found.  Second, God loves them, so if we are to be holy, we must be like God.

What does that mean? Remember the saying that “charity begins at home”?  It doesn’t end there.  If we truly love God, we will extend our charity to those outside our homes. People are probably still rebuilding after earthquakes, tornadoes, floods, and other disasters, and every city has some kind of homeless shelters.

You say you love God? Let’s see you love your neighbor.

Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications

Readings:  Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

As Christians, we may feel tensions between Church and State.

We may have to make difficult choices.

Turning to God, and seeking His will can help us.

His laws are written on our hearts.

The Holy Spirit is His voice within us.

Can we find the key to settling our inner unrest?

Readings: Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

We are invited to be in God’s kingdom. The invitation requires a response.  Rejection has consequences.

Even when we come into our faith by tradition or family inheritance we are expected to adhere to the guidance of the faith!

Jesus modeled this behavior for us repeatedly during His ministry when He accepted the company of all – He ate with Pharisees and also kept company with those on the margins of society.  He continued to spread the Good News of the Father’s kingdom to everyone.

We are not here to judge others but to welcome them as God welcomes us. God invites us to be a part of His kingdom.

The way that we respond to others in our daily lives marks the way we respond to God’s invitation.

How did we come into our faith and how prepared are we for full participation?

Readings: Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

Jesus returns to the Old Testament symbol of the vineyard to teach about Israel, the Church, and the kingdom of God.

This Gospel reminds us of the importance of listening to God’s word.

God speaks to us in many ways—through Scripture, through our Church tradition, in our Church’s teaching, and through modern-day prophets.

We are each a vine in the Lord’s vineyard, grafted onto the true vine of Christ, called to bear fruits of the righteousness in Him and to be the “first fruits” of a new creation.

We need to take care that we don’t let ourselves be overgrown with the thorns and briars of worldly anxiety.

We need to fill our hearts and minds with noble intentions and virtuous deeds, rejoicing always that the Lord is near.

Are we attentive and receptive to God’s word to us through these messengers?

Readings: Twenty-seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

The Vineyard is our life lived in fidelity to the will of God.

It is also attention to our specific mission in life,  be it family, work, or worship.

Some say yes, but really don’t live it according to what they are supposed to do.

Yet others, after initial resistance come around to doing as they should.

Did you go and work in the vineyard today?

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/100123.cfm

Why should we forgive those who hurt us?  The gospel this Sunday gives three reasons: First because Jesus commands it.  Second, forgiveness is part of loving one another.  And third, because we want to be forgiven for our sins.

Here Jesus commands us to forgive unceasingly, without limit.  Now that could be a challenge for even the most patient person.  Does it mean we have to let someone hurt us over and over?  No, it is possible to forgive someone and also prevent them from hurting us, if we do it with love (the second reason.)  For instance, we might forgive an alcoholic family member but still insist that they get help.  Since forgiveness is part of love, it is also part of tough love.

That leads to the third reason: We forgive because we have been forgiven.  Jesus has already died for our sins.  If we truly believe that Jesus is risen and that we will rise to eternal life with him in spite of our sins, how can we refuse to forgive someone who hurts us?

Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

Prayer is not a meaningless exercise.

Jesus promises His presence among us and His awareness of our prayers.

He asks us to be a community of believers who bring our decisions about life to Him.

The authority of the community, the church,  is significant.

Are we connected to that community?

Are our prayers joined with others and offered up in expectant faith?

Readings:  Twenty-third Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

If we preach resurrection without the cross, we are acting like Peter in the Gospel.

Peter had just proclaimed that Jesus was the Messiah, but he failed to understand that Jesus’ mission was not to bring wealth and glory to Israel.  Like Satan’s temptations in the desert, he wanted Jesus to take the easy way to glory.

Instead, Jesus challenges us to deny ourselves.  As long as we center our lives on our own pleasure and comfort, we are rejecting the cross.  To deny oneself means to choose God’s will over our own.  It means to be willing to suffer for being honest.  It means giving God the first place in our lives.  It means we get more joy from serving others than from serving ourselves.

That is one reason I like the image of God as Father.  Parents will lose much of their freedom—and much sleep—when they bring a child into the world.  But they find a new joy in the eyes of that child.  We are all called to lose our selfish lives and find the joy of living for Jesus.

Tom Schmidt  – Diocesan Publication

Readings: Twenty-second Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

Jesus gave Simon a name based on the word for “rock.” Peter had just acknowledged Jesus to be the Son of God and the Messiah (Christ). Jesus used that as an opportunity to teach us about the importance of faith as the foundation of the church.

There were many variations on what people thought the Messiah would be. Some expected a political leader who would unite the Jews and maybe even overthrow their Roman masters.  Others thought he would be a wonder-worker, a super-hero, who would use his power to make Israel a great and free nation.  Some thought the messiah would provide food and riches in abundance.

In faith, we learn that Jesus has fulfilled all messianic hopes.  He unites not just the Jews, but all people who believe in him. He sets us free from sin and death. He feeds our spiritual hunger with his own Body and Blood in the Eucharist.

By commending Peter’s faith, he shows us that faith is the foundation (rock) of the church. For the church is a family of people who believe all that Jesus taught because we believe in the person of Jesus. That is, we don’t just believe that Jesus was real. We affirm that he is alive and important to our lives. We have experienced him in his words, in the sacraments, and in each other. May our faith always be solid as a rock.

Tom Schmidt

Diocesean Publications

Readings:  Twenty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

Much of Jesus’ ministry was the healing of bodies and souls.

He dealt with all He encountered with compassion and mercy.

Even those estranged from Him in some way were included.

The suffering of the entire world throughout history lay at His feet.

His purpose is always to heal, to free, and to save. Are not our needs also before Him?

Ask Him to heal us and to free us.

Reading: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

Peter had a direct command from Jesus to walk on the water. Yet, Peter doubted.

How many times do we also doubt as we go about our God-given mission in life?

Jesus also strengthens us.
“Take courage it is I; do not be afraid”

Nothing is impossible with God. Our trust in Him is our strength.

Jesus calls us to act in faith.

How is your walk on the water?

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/081323.cfm

Calls us to an awareness of the reign of God in all things.

It is more important to our lives than anything else.  It is like a pearl of great worth.

We are encouraged to pursue what it requires of us no matter what.

God’s reign will bring justice when all things come together in the kingdom.

What are we searching for in our lives?

Is seeking the kingdom foremost in our plans?

Readings: Seventeenth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

Today’s Gospel serves as a humbling reminder that God is generous and merciful. He desires us to be united with Him in His Heavenly Kingdom whether we come to His vineyard at 5 years old or 95.  It is not an effort of ours or merit we can earn that grants us God’s love. Rather, He loves without condition and makes His love equally available to all.

When we come to God’s vineyard, He envelops us in His love, which we hear about in today’s Responsorial Psalm.  Every time I hear Psalm 23, I think of myself in preschool.  I don’t have many memories of preschool; in fact, I don’t even remember my teacher’s name or the names of any of my classmates.  What I do remember, however, is being taught Psalm 23.  “The Lord is my shepherd; there is nothing I shall want.”  For a long time, I wondered why that Psalm and why at such a young age?  Looking back now, I think I understand.  Our teacher wanted us all to be confident of God’s everlasting love for us.  If we know that love at a young age we can grow up knowing Him and loving Him, and even bring more laborers to His beautiful vineyard.

May we always remember the love of God and may we continue working as laborers in his vineyard.

Readings: Sixteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

Diocesan

Jesus threw out parables like a farmer sowing seeds.  Some of them fell on the ears of those who would be disciples.  But most fell on the ears of people not ready to understand.  The path, the rocky ground, and the thorns are all metaphors for how his teachings were received. So how do we receive his word?

Do we hear it without understanding, letting it go in one ear and out the other?  Do we hear it joyfully, but then forget it when troubles or difficulties come along?  Do we listen to the word but ignore it in the face of later temptation?

If we want the word to grow strong in us, we can take steps to help ourselves understand it.  We can come to church early and spend a few minutes with the readings before Mass.  After Mass, we can talk about the readings or the homily with our family over breakfast.  We can pick out one practical point to practice that week.

God’s word can be likened to a ball game.  We can sit back and watch, not really involved or caring who wins.  Or we can jump in and participate and make the game ours.  Let us ask God how we can take the word and run with it.

Tom Schmidt. Diocesan

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/071623.cfm

I’d like you to take a moment and trace the past week of your life. Other than sleeping, did you take any intentional rest?  We just finished the Independence Day holiday here in the United States.  If you live in the US, did you squeeze in every last bit of work in the office before closing your computer for the holiday?  Did you actually sign off from work for the holiday?  Or did you try to multitask, only to find yourself zigging and zagging between sporting events, and reading work emails on your phone during backyard barbecues, without ever actually resting?

If you’ve ever felt more tired after a holiday than before, chances are that today, you feel like a burnt-out sparkler. I have a consolation for you: today’s Gospel reading is especially for you because in it Jesus tells us to rest.

If we rest in Scripture today, we are privileged to hear a sacred conversation.  We hear Jesus resting in prayer with the Father. “I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth,” Jesus says.  The prayer in verses 25-27 is one of only three places in which Matthew records Jesus’ prayers with God the Father.  The second instance is in the Garden of Gethsemane (Mt 26:39, 42), and the third is Jesus’s last words on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mt 27:46).

After concluding his prayer today, Jesus shares the intimacy of the relationship between Son and Father, with those around him. “No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him” (Mt 11:27).

After this statement comes an invitation to rest. “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”  Commentators note that the rest that Jesus gives is the peace which surpasses all understanding (Phil 4:7). It is also the invitation to discipleship, for we know that following Jesus brings “rest for your souls” (11:29).  Through resting in Jesus, Jesus reveals the Father to us for Jesus opens up the possibility of eternal union with God in heaven.

The first step toward unity with God today is simple: just rest. Spend time with this Gospel passage.  Resist the urge to check your phone and just rest.  Accomplish in prayer what Jesus asks of you today:  “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden” . . . “Take my yoke upon you” . . . “learn from me.” (11:28-29)

Readings: Fourteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

Provided by Diocesan.  Reflection Author, Elizabeth Tomlin.    General Counsel for the Archdiocese for the Military Services.  She blogs at JoyfulMomentum.org or @elizabethannetomlin. 

Jesus asks His disciples to have total dedication to following Him.  As an example, He tells us that to be worthy we must love Him more than we love our parents or children.  If we see someone in our family stray from the faith, we try to bring them back by our prayers, example, and encouragement.  Jesus then gives examples of three kinds of disciples.

First are the prophets. These are people who have lived the faith and are able to teach others the wisdom they have learned.

Second, are the righteous, those whose quiet lives teach by example.  Many good parents practice this type of discipleship.  Children may not listen to their parents’ advice, but still grow up with memories of how they lived.

Finally, there are the “little ones.”  These, like children, follow Jesus with great joy and love. They may be elderly or disabled.  When we respect and cherish them, we are able to see Jesus in them.  And anytime we can experience Jesus through another person is a wonderful reward for a disciple.

Tom Schmidt, Diocesan Publications

Readings: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/070223.cfm

“Fear no one,” Jesus says. He is talking about fearing those who persecute you for your faith.

In the verses before this Gospel passage, he tries to prepare us for that persecution and says that since it was done to him (Jesus), it would be done to his followers.  But he triumphed over his persecutors; they could not stop him.  And that is what he promises us.  We cannot be destroyed as long as we keep that faith.

Now the best way to keep that faith is to give it away.

That sounds like a paradox, but it means that when we spread the faith, our faith grows, too.  And when we allow others to share their faith with us, we are encouraged and supported.

Sometimes we may hesitate to talk about our faith.

That is the only thing to fear: not Satan’s power, but our weakness.

That’s why Jesus said whoever denies him will be denied by him.  Yet Jesus died for our sins, so even they cannot destroy us if we turn back to the Lord.  So thank him for his forgiveness, but don’t forget to spread the news that you are forgiven. You might give someone else the courage to come back to the Lord, and so score another victory for faith over fear.

Tom Schmidt – Diocesan Publications

Jesus sent out these twelve after instructing them thus,

“Do not go into pagan territory or enter a Samaritan town.

Go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

As you go, make this proclamation:  The Kingdom of Heaven is a Hand.

Cure the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons.

Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.”

Readings: Eleventh Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

Jesus’ life was consumed to save the world.

His life brought us eternal life.

He offers us an opportunity to participate in His life and our future together.

He did not leave us an idea, but rather the reality of His becoming part of us, and our becoming part of Him.

The Eucharist is our most intimate connection with our God.

What could possibly be a better offer for our lives and future?

Readings:  Solemnity of the Body and Blood of Christ | USCCB

By any standard a difficult message.

The wisdom of God is beyond our ability to comprehend.

It is love that heals and keeps us as children of the Father.

Are you ready to walk the road to perfection?

Readings: Seventh Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

The commandments are meant to help us survive.

Yet, Jesus set an additional higher standard based on love.

We must be clear in our commitments to what He taught.

Will we say yes?

Readings: Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB

Do not hide your light.

Let your good deeds give glory to your heavenly Father.

You can be the light and salt that encourages others.

Readings:  Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time | USCCB